Hi,
I'm Jim, I've been working on designing a VJ controller, I have domains for the name: VJcontroller
I need/want to set up a blog somewhere to talk about process. I thought just as a topic on here might be the easiest. It is a pretty Resolume-centric design.
One of the main ideas is around grouping of controls that visually mirror the grouping of parameter control on screen, that is common to Layers, groups,ect
I have been reseching switches (ie keys and buttons) and their differences in behaviour ect.
Anyhow I am designing the unit to use mechanical keyboard standard "Cherry MX" key switches, which can range in price and function from $0.05 - $50 a switch. Using this standard means that that VJ can easily refine control if they want to.
At this point I think I will offer option have assembled with switches or without switches, but I'm just focusing on prototype at the moment.
My current dimensions fits over my 13" macbook pro, so idea is that unit sits over laptop keyboard and mouse. So you have your VJ controls right in the place of laptop controls, With using a mouse. For an organised show wouldn't need mouse so much.
Electronics:
I want it to talk all signals A VJ or show controller could need.
Sound:
Have some adrino boards and waiting for 1st custom board, I have space to add audio board. Disscussing with sound engineer friends about what specs/format for digital and analogue audio In and out, from the electronics stand point adding sound doesn't add that much more but cost might come in with parts.
Artnet:
There are a bunch of "show light monitors" can't think of a better name, bit you can send colour from Resolume but also can be set to a Lighting Desiners Fixture colours.
I want to use RGBAW+UV LEDs but for prototype I might just do RBG. I am going to address them as HSB (Hue Satuation Brightness).
Signel into resolume Midi/osc/webserver/Artnet?
Now here is a question, which way do you think it should talk to Resolume?
There is not just Dummy signals, there is some Code for some of the functionally, don't want to talk about till finished. I think using the resolume webserver and send commands via that could be a really good option, so that it can be plug and play if wanted. I think maybe should include all of them, so can keep the stock mebsersver setup and add custom OSC mapping... don't know any ideas?
I will definitely clock the speed differences between protocols but I would also be interested in what people think.
Anyhow, I'm going to make this post my place for talking about VJcontroller design, so follow if you are interested and hide it if you don't. I don't want to try and shove my device down people's throats. I am 50/50 about weather or not I make final design open source or make a product, I need to get further along.
So please post any ideas questions or want,
Jim